Art events in Dubai

See 'Colours of a Beating Heart' at The Fridge

By
Jenny Hewett
24 January 2012

Wednesday 25

A Labour of LightA fascinating exhibition that documents the plight of a group of abandoned labourers in Sajja, an industrial area in Sharjah, as photographed by themselves. When their employer fled the country during the economic downturn the men were left to fend for themselves in the camp. When a local photographer became aware of the abandoned labourers, she collaborated with local charity Adopt-a-Camp to share her photography skills, donate cameras and make regular visits to encourage them to tell their story through imagery. Prints and postcards will be on sale during the exhibition and 100 per cent of the proceeds will be distributed evenly among the labourers.Until February 16. Gulf Photo Plus, Warehouse D36, Al Serkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz (04 380 8545).

Colours of a Beating HeartInspired by music, Dubai-based French artist and muralist Julie Dalloz presents a visually engaging solo exhibition full of movement and life.Until February 20. The Fridge, Al Quoz 4 (04 347 7793).

Dirty Laundry Syrian artistTammam Azzam presents a solo exhibition of canvases featuring rope, clothes pegs and other found objects, which feature in silhouettes on dark backgrounds to appear almost like a photo negative.Until January 26. Ayyam Gallery, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC (04 439 2395).

SIMILAR ARTICLES

Fakie 2012Described as a skateboard ‘dexhibition’, this collaboration between Tashkeel Hub and FN Designs features 30 UAE artists, who were given old skateboards to use as their canvas.Until February 18. Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, intersection 1, Street 5 and 20 (04 336 3313).

Third Rock from the SunThis exhibition explores the history and future of space travel and features a number of mediums and artists, including prints by French photographer Vincent Fournier, Antwerp-based photographer Jan Kempenaers, architect and urbanist Nicholas de Monchaux, and 19th-century astronomers Maurice Loewy and Pierre Puiseux.Until January 31. The Empty Quarter, Gate Village, Building 2, DIFC (04 323 1210).

Thursday 26

Art SudanCelebrating the pioneers of modern Sudanese art, this exhibition features the works of Ibrahim Salahi and Mohammed Omar Khalil, who have shaped the region’s art by combining Western technical practices with their traditional cultural heritage. Salahi experiments with Arabic script, while Khalil creates collage compositions using traditional objects from the Arab world.Until February 29. Meem Gallery, next to Pressotto, Al Quoz (04 347 7883).

Beyond the ObviousSwitzerland-based designer, art director, artist and advertising magnate Dean Williams presents an abstract exhibition of recent works that take on a transparency and are devoid of time and space.Until February 11. The Majlis Gallery, Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai (04 353 6233).Jessica MeinThe Brazilian artist’s debut exhibition in the Middle East features five animated videos as well as works on paper, which represent layered states of dreaming and time to alter the viewer’s experience. The videos are randomly looped: in one video, entitled ‘Blackout’, the artist has captured and manipulated Dubai’s power lines.Until March 8. The Pavilion, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai (04 447 7025).

Friday 27

Join the Festival Friends ahead of the Festival of LiteratureEnjoy a range of discounts and rewards for both the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in March 2012 as well as events in the year-round programme at Dar Al Adaab in Bastakiya. The three levels of benefits include discounted tickets, priority bookings, lounge access and invitations to events.For more info and to enrol, visit www.emirateslitfest.com.

Saturday 28

I... RevolutionThis solo exhibition by award-winning Egyptian artist Mohammed Taman features a range of oil paintings characterised by the chemical reaction that occurs when he superimposes pigments onto the canvas to create unusual metallic-like hues. Until February 10. ArtSpace, Gate Village building 3, DIFC (04 323 0820).

Inspirationalists: Khalid ShafarThis solo exhibition features furniture pieces, predominantly timber and woodwork, inspired by the artist’s Emirati heritage. Among the pieces included in the exhibition are a palm trunk-inspired coat stand, and a crate that can be used as a side table, corner table or coffee table by a slide of the top layers.Until February 4. The Pavilion, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai (04 447 7025).

Sunday 29

ElsewhenDrawing inspiration from the genre of science fiction, where time travel, voyages into space and ideas of what will happen next shape what is really to come in the future, Iranian artist Ala Ebtekar takes events that are actually occurring today and links them to stories and history in the past. Until March 8. The Third Line, Al Quoz 3 (04 341 1367).

Monday 30

Gulf Photo Plus movie nightShowcasing the often-harrowing works of American war photographer James Nachtewy, a documentary entitled War Photographer will be screened at The Pavilion Downtown this evening. The film was produced over two years, during which time Swiss author Christian Frei shadowed Nachtewy as he documented the wars in Indonesia, Kosovo and Palestine.7pm. The Pavilion, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai (04 447 7025).

Light From LifeA stunning exhibition showing off the landscape and nature photos of eight regional artists, following a joint expedition to New Zealand to capture the unique natural environment of that region. To give viewers a better understanding of their adventure, the photographers will have their camping equipment on display in the gallery, as well as a short documentary.Until March 3. The Ara Gallery, Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai (04 454 2784).

Marie Marie, The Devil in Me has Taken You for a RideThis solo exhibition by Lebanese painter Marwan Sahmarani is a complex personal insight into the artist’s own journey into fatherhood. It covers the conflict he feels as an artist to be more detached, when as a father he desires more involvement.Until February 16. Lawrie Shabibi, Unit 21, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz (04 346 9906).

Tuesday 31

InnerscapesAcclaimed Turkish photographer Nazif Topçuoglu presents a series of playful and theatrical images, showing young women in medieval-style settings. His works depict a nostalgic view of youth and one’s desire to relive their prime, while also commenting on perceived and conventional ideas of adult life.Until March 5. Green Art Gallery, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz (04 346 9305).

MineIn this exhibition of films, 19 South African artists explore the concepts of personal ownership, with each artist either starring in the film or referring to themselves within their work. Those on show include renowned artists William Kentbridge and Robin Rhode, as well as Bridget Baker, Jacques Coetzer and Teboho Edkins.Until February 4. Ductac, Level 2, Mall of the Emirates (04 341 4777).

Space ForwardCiting artists Roland Barthes and Marcel Proust as inspiration, Austrian photographer Birgit Graschopf uses her medium to explore a variety of public and private spaces in a series of evocative black-and-white photographs, which almost appear as photo negatives. Definitely worth a look.Until February 12. Carbon 12, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz (050 464 4392).